Most businesses recognize the importance of using a website to reach potential customers, serve existing customers, and further their mission. Yet, as more digital tools pop up in the marketplace, it’s becoming increasingly important for business owners to ensure equal access for all users through an accessible online presence. Creating a website that is compliant with accessibility guidelines can be daunting. However, small changes go a long way when it comes to making your business accessible for people with different disabilities—and not only give you the opportunity to create experiences that better meet user needs but also demonstrate your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. This blog will explore how you can make sure your website is more accessible and consider some best practices that set you up for success.
Ensure that all your website content is keyboard accessible and can be used with only a keyboard
Websites should be accessible for people who use a keyboard alone to navigate the content. Companies have an ethical obligation to ensure that people of all abilities can access their websites. It is essential for a business’s success to have content that can easily be navigated by those using only a keyboard. It’s not only the right thing to do but will provide more users with access to your website. To help make sure your website is accessible by those using a keyboard, test it frequently with various types of input methods, check for alternative text for any visuals or multimedia elements, and build in an easy-to-use tabbing order. By making sure all of your website content is keyboard accessible, you can provide everyone with an equal opportunity to engage with your brand and services.
Use a website overlay to make the site more accessible
Using a website overlay—a layer of code placed on top of your current web pages—can make it easier for those with disabilities to access and interact with your site. Providing an accessibility-friendly experience can provide better usability for those using assistive technologies or who have difficulty navigating the digital space. Additionally, overlays are quick and easy to install, and you can customize the colors, fonts, and design elements to fit your brand. With an overlay in place, you can give users a more seamless experience navigating through your website’s content regardless of their abilities.
You may ask, what is a website overlay? If this is the case, you need to learn more by reading up on it and doing your research. Various online tutorials can help you understand more about website overlays and how you can implement them on your site.
Include subtitles, closed captioning, and auditory descriptions for video content
Online video content has become increasingly popular over the years. It is important to consider incorporating features like subtitles, closed captioning, and auditory descriptions into these digital media sources for a better user experience. Not only does providing this type of accessibility benefit those who are hard of hearing or deaf, but it can also help reduce language barriers between audiences around the world. Subtitles make online videos more accessible to a broader array of viewers, which helps widen the media’s reach. Audio descriptions allow those with impaired vision to understand better what is happening in the video. Lastly, closed captioning allows those with multiple impairments more accessible access than ever before. These small steps towards inclusion are fundamental in building a more inclusive online community.
